Chilling details emerge of mass shooting plot targeting US Hindu temple
Illinois authorities believe a 19-year-old man charged with planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago entered the building’s car park on Sunday, hours before police arrested him near his home after receiving a tip about the alleged attack plan. Authorities announced Wednesday that they had arrested Alexandros Paporakis and provided the additional detail about his suspected…
A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, faces charges of planning a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in suburban Chicago. Police arrested him on Wednesday after receiving a tip about his alleged attack plan, finding him near his home. The Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, located around 65km west of Chicago, announced increased security following the threat.
Paporakis entered the temple's parking lot on Sunday hours before his arrest, and his car was seen alone near his home later that day. A co-worker reported Paporakis to 911, claiming he wished to "kill Indian people" and called Sunday the "special day." The temple leaders expressed gratitude that the violent plot was thwarted. The incident adds to heightened threats against South Asians in recent years, according to Stop AAPI Hate, with online slurs and hate on the rise.
The Hindu festival of Navratri, celebrated by the temple and many Hindu households, was meant to be a time of celebration and unity but has been marred by fear and hate for South Asian people.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
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